Spain is a country of rich tradition and colourful culture, all rolled into a relatively small package. Surrealist art, mouth-watering plates of tapas, fervent flamenco \u2013 the list goes on. But what stands out the most is the real zest for life here \u2013 and who better to share this with than family. On this ten-night journey through some of our favorite Spanish cities, you\u2019ll experience it all together \u2013 from the bustling capital of Madrid and Granada\u2019s awe-inspiring Alhambra to Seville\u2019s historic center and the picturesque \u2018pueblos blancos\u2019 of Casares. It\u2019s jam-packed full of history, culture, flavor and some time for relaxation, too \u2013 so there\u2019s something for every traveller, in every family.<\/p>\n
First things first, you\u2019ll check in at Rosewood Villa Magna \u2013 a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city, and your home for the next three nights. From there, you\u2019ll be immediately immersed in the buzz of Madrid, meeting with a local expert to stroll the streets, visit local food market Mercado de la Paz, and enjoy the atmosphere as you get a feeling for what it\u2019s like to live as a Madrid local. From patatas bravas to albondigas and tortilla, it wouldn\u2019t be a trip to Spain without tapas and we’ll then take you to one of the city\u2019s best spots to sample and learn the secrets of each dish.<\/p>\n
Tomorrow, you’ll explore the city’s history and heritage on a fun and interactive tour of the city, led by a private guide. From modern architectural wonders to 17th Century Baroque buildings and the old city\u2019s famous Plaza Mayor \u2013 you\u2019ll learn about its history and evolution, and enjoy panoramic views along the way. Together, you\u2019ll also walk the hallowed halls of the Royal Palace, with its works by Vel\u00e1zquez, Goya, and Caravaggio.<\/p>\n
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The next day, we\u2019ll take you just north of Madrid to beautiful El Escorial. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you\u2019ll be taken on a private tour of one of Spain\u2019s most magnificent monasteries \u2013 and the largest Renaissance building in the world \u2013 before embarking on a family bike tour of the area. Cycle through the scenic La Herreria forest up to \u2018the seat of Felipe II\u2019 from where the former King is said to have made the most of the expansive views to watch over the construction of the headquarters of his vast empire in the 16th Century. Back in Madrid, you’ll have the evening to enjoy as your please.<\/p>\n
Heading south, you\u2019ll continue to Granada where your hotel, Parador de Granada, is set within the grounds of the extraordinary Alhambra complex and offers a unique opportunity to spend a night in the surroundings of one of Spain\u2019s most iconic sites. Protected by UNESCO, La Alhambra is one of the most important examples of Muslim civil architecture still in existence with its highly decorative, incredibly preserved courtyards and Nasrid buildings. On a private half-day tour, your guide will bring its fascinating history to life as they recount the tale it’s woven since its construction began in 1238. End the day with breath-taking sunset views of the city from the Generalife gardens.<\/p>\n
After a night in Granada, you\u2019ll travel west to Seville \u2013 a city that truly makes its mark with a blend of meandering medieval streets, Spanish guitar music drifting softly through the air, and an abundance of lively traditional festivals. In the very heart of the city, you\u2019ll check into Hotel Alfonso XIII, where authentic Moorish d\u00e9cor meets contemporary chic.<\/p>\n
Get your bearings on a guided family walking tour of Seville\u2019s highlights. From the beautiful Barrio de Santa Cruz and the city\u2019s famous Gothic cathedral to the Royal Alcazar of Seville, your private guide will share anecdotes of the Seville lifestyle only a local could tell you. From there, we’ll arrange a horse and carriage ride around the city and a peaceful boat cruise along the Guadalquivir River, before dinner at one of our favorite tapas restaurants.<\/p>\n
The following day, you\u2019ll head out on a day trip to the nearby city of C\u00f3rdoba. The city displays a blend of rich culture and history, which you\u2019ll discover alongside your private guide on a walking tour of sights such as La Mezquita, the historic quarter and the Alcazar. The Patio de los Naranjos, which you\u2019ll find outside La Mezquita, is one of our favorite spots \u2013 surrounded by its sweet orange blossom scent, it’s the perfect place for a gentle stroll or a shaded rest from the blazing heat of the afternoon sun before a delicious lunch together as a family.<\/p>\n
From Seville, it’s onto Jerez de la Frontera. Renowned for its sherry and flamenco, it’s also home to the Royal School of Equestrian Art. There, you\u2019ll witness a fantastic performance \u2013 from front row VIP seats \u2013 combining choreography, classical flamenco and the famous Andaluc\u00edan equestrian tradition. There\u2019s also the chance for a private tour of the stables that cares for the performing horses, too. After enjoying the show, you\u2019ll then continue onto the next and final stop on your journey: M\u00e1laga\u2019s town of Casares.<\/p>\n
Arriving at the elegant resort of Finca Cortesin in the foothills of the Costa del Sol, you\u2019ll know at once you\u2019re in the perfect place to relax. While away the sun-soaked days from the comfort of fresh, spacious rooms \u2013 or from the side of the hotel\u2019s Olympic-sized pool, secluded gardens, impressive golf course or state-of-the-art spa. We’ll also arrange a private yacht day which will see you cruise languorously along the coast towards Marbella, with the chance to pause for some swimming or snorkeling \u2013 all the while keeping your eyes peeled for a glimpse of dolphins in the wild.<\/p>\n
After one final evening in Casares, you\u2019ll head to the airport and begin your journey home. But we know you\u2019ll be back soon enough.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Spain is a country of rich tradition and colourful culture, all rolled into a relatively small package. Surrealist art, mouth-watering plates of tapas, fervent flamenco \u2013 the list goes on. But what stands out the most is the real zest for life here \u2013 and who better to share this with than family. On this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":101077,"featured_media":268560,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1456],"tags":[],"country":["Spain"],"class_list":["post-268246","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-us","country-spain","month-august","month-july","month-june","month-may","month-october","month-september","type-experience","feeling-contentment","need-to-discover","what-culture","who-family"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n